And remember: it might be better to give than to receive, but make sure you’re there when the bottle is opened.

What: Ayala's beautiful, pink-tinged wine has intrinsic elegance on account of the Chardonnay grapes that go into the blend, but it’s also generous owing to a decent glug of top cru Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims. However, the quality of rosé Champagne is better than ever at the moment, thanks to warmer summers and riper fruit, so we think it’s well worth mixing things up a little.With so many types of Champagne on the wine menu, picking the right gold standard sparkler can often be overwhelming. Réserve Exclusive is the flagship, with the emphasis firmly on a fruit-driven, mainly black grape, palate. On the palate the often-delicate flavours will be ‘numbed’ if served too cold, while at warmer temperatures the flavours will be better absorbed into the palate.

Faithful to its rich heritage, Lanson has been producing some of the world’s finest champagnes since 1760, using traditional techniques. The hallmark of Taittinger Champagnes is the high percentage of Chardonnay, delivering elegance and finesse on the nose and palate. Bollinger is a brand that has become synonymous with James Bond and its aphrodisiacal qualities have been on regular display throughout the novels and films. A protected designation of origin, Champagne only refers to sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region in France and made according to the ‘ methode champenoise’ guidelines.

Its stylish bottle only adds to the class of this Champagne and makes it a wonderful choice if you're looking for an extra-special gift for someone. Originally crafted in 1876 to suit the tastes of Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Cristal by Louis Roederer has earned rave reviews for its full-bodied, opulent, and seductive Champagne. Also known as “the red label”, Piper-Heidsieck is one of the most iconic Champagne, famous at red carpet events like the Cannes Film Festival.

When taking a sip, expect to discover refreshing notes of baked apple, pink grapefruit and summer fruits which are in turn balanced with rich brioche notes. The primary types of Champagne are Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé, indicating the varieties and the colors of the grapes used. Fresh herbs and strawberries on the nose lead into a restrained palate hinting at red berries and freshly picked peaches, with a persistent mousse and a generous finish gilding the lily. In particular, we are fans of the rosé, which boasts a soft and creamy texture, while encompassing a mix of red fruit flavours including strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant.Dom Pérignon’s Vintage 2012 is the obvious choice, with its streamlined minimalism and expressive warmth sure to impress even the finest palates.

When it comes to Champagne with the lowest sugar content, opt for Brut or Extra Brut, or better even Brut Nature / Brut Zero (no added sugar).What: Lanson was among the first Champagne houses to catch on to the pink fizz trend and the brand’s 60 years worth of rosé-making experience is evident in its Lanson Le Rosé. What: This is something of a landmark in Perrier-Jouet’s history, being the Maison’s first prestige cuvee. Based amidst the Pinot Noir grapes of Urville, it is the gentle macerating of the Pinot Noir skins which gives this rosé its pretty salmon pink colour, while the winemaking is all about precision.